Plants as Sources of Anti-Inflammatory Agents.

Plants represent the main source of molecules for the development of new drugs, which intensifies the interest of transnational industries in searching for substances obtained from plant sources, especially since the vast majority of species have not yet been studied chemically or biologically, particularly concerning anti-inflammatory action. Anti-inflammatory drugs can interfere in the pathophysiological process of inflammation, to minimize tissue damage and provide greater comfort to the patient. Therefore, it is important to note that due to the existence of a large number of species available for research, the successful development of new naturally occurring anti-inflammatory drugs depends mainly on a multidisciplinary effort to find new molecules. Although many review articles have been published in this regard, the majority presented the subject from a limited regional perspective. Thus, the current article presents highlights from the published literature on plants as sources of anti-inflammatory agents.

In vitro micropropagation and tiliroside production in Paratecoma peroba (Record) Kuhlm, an endemic and endangered Brazilian tree.

In vitro tissue culture can be an alternative method for endangered species propagation, biodiversity conservation and secondary metabolite studies. Paratecoma peroba (Record) Kuhlm. (Bignoniaceae) is an endemic and endangered Brazilian species. This work aimed to establish in vitro morphogenesis and callus induction and to perform a phytochemical analysis of P. peroba callus extract. Higher seed germination (43%) was obtained in Wood Plant Medium culture without activated charcoal (AC). Combination of 5 µM benzyladenine + 10 µM gibberellic acid, without AC, resulted in a higher number of shoots (2 shoots/explant). A callus culture was stabilised from zygotic embryos using 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. A callus methanolic extract was used for phytochemical analysis. The isolated substance was identified as tiliroside (kaempferol 3-O-ß-D-(6''-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-glucopyranoside) by NMR and quantified in callus and leaf extracts by HPLC. This study adds to the chemical knowledge of this species and it is the first report of a flavonol in Paratecoma.